Beginner4 min read

Is Polymarket Legal in US and Canada?

Understanding the legal landscape of prediction markets and how to access them safely.

Quick Answer

Yes, Polymarket is legal and accessible in most countries including Canada.However, US residents currently cannot access Polymarket directly due to regulatory restrictions. The platform operates under proper licensing and regulation in supported jurisdictions.

Legal Status by Region

βœ… Canada - Fully Legal

Canadian residents can freely access and use Polymarket. The platform operates legally under Canadian financial regulations and provides full service to Canadian users.

  • No restrictions on account creation or trading
  • Full access to all markets and features
  • Regulated under Canadian financial laws
  • USDC deposits and withdrawals supported
πŸ‡ΊπŸ‡Έ United States - Currently Restricted

US residents cannot currently access Polymarket due to regulatory compliance. The platform proactively blocks US IP addresses and requires identity verification to prevent US users from creating accounts.

  • IP-based blocking for US addresses
  • KYC verification prevents US account creation
  • Compliance with CFTC regulations
  • Alternative platforms available for US users

Why These Restrictions Exist

The regulatory landscape for prediction markets varies significantly between countries. In the US, the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) has strict rules about event-based derivatives and prediction markets.

Polymarket chose to restrict US access to ensure full compliance with these regulations rather than operate in a legal gray area. This demonstrates the platform's commitment to regulatory compliance and user protection.

How Polymarket Ensures Compliance

Geographic Restrictions
  • β€’ IP address verification
  • β€’ VPN detection systems
  • β€’ Account creation blocking
  • β€’ Transaction monitoring
Identity Verification
  • β€’ KYC (Know Your Customer) checks
  • β€’ Document verification
  • β€’ Address confirmation
  • β€’ Ongoing compliance monitoring

What This Means for You

If You're in Canada or Other Supported Countries

You can safely and legally use Polymarket to trade on prediction markets. The platform provides full regulatory compliance and user protection.

Get Started with $10 Bonus

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to use Polymarket?

Yes, Polymarket operates with proper licensing and regulatory oversight in supported jurisdictions. The platform uses blockchain technology for transparency and has strong security measures in place.

Will Polymarket become available in the US?

Polymarket continues to work with regulators and may expand to additional markets in the future. However, there's no official timeline for US availability.

What happens if I try to access from a restricted country?

The platform will detect your location and prevent access. Attempting to circumvent these restrictions violates the terms of service and could result in account closure.

Ready to Start Trading?

If you're in a supported country, you can start trading prediction markets today.

Sign Up for Polymarket

Related Guides

How to Deposit USDC and Trade

Step-by-step guide to funding your account and making your first trade.

Read Guide

Responsible Wagering

Best practices for safe and responsible prediction market trading.

Read Guide